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Perennials Shrubs Trees

Design advice needed

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

This lilac tree was an overgrown shrub when I moved it, I limbed it up into a nice-looking clump standard. Unfortunately, large sections of it have died this summer -- I broke off a branch of the dead part to take a close look, thought maybe there's a chance it set buds for next year (i.e. leaf loss but branches are alive), but nope, they're dead. So, it has to go -- I'll have it removed when I get some tree trimming done in the late winter (including a major limbing-up of the maple to the side of it).

Anyway, my decision now is whether to replace it with another multi-trunk specimen. I really like the architectural element the trunks lend to the bed, and it gives me a bit more privacy from the neighbor, but I'm undecided whether to just put a regular shrub there vs something taller trained into a multi-trunk standard. If I go for the same look, I'm considering a native serviceberry (Amelanchier). What do you think -- clumping standard look or regular shrub? Any suggestions as to what type of woody? (small multi-trunk tree or large shrub I can prune to form)

Oh, I should also mention my goal is to have this butt-ugly deck replaced with a stone patio within 5 years, so another reason I'm considering the small clumping standard is I think it will be nice to have a shady area on the patio to sit under. But main reason is I just like how it looks LOL!

(pics in next post)

Featured Answer

mxk3 z5b_MI
Original Author

4 years ago

Well, I ended up buying an Amelanchier x grandiflora "Autum Brilliance". Beautiful multi-trunked specimen. Unfortunately it wasn't on sale, but I've learned over the years to grab it, run, and don't look back if I really want it -- or else it won't be there next time. :0) I will have to pull it into the barn for storage, since the lilac will be removed in the late winter, like I mentioned, but these are perfectly hardy in my zone so I'm not worried about it.

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Comments (6)

mxk3 z5b_MI
Original Author
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
View out the window of the house:

Looking away from the deck:

Looking toward the deck:
kitasei
4 years ago
I vote for the multitrunk allowing the open view. You have a wonderful long view so why hide it?
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cecily 7A
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Why do you believe that a shrub is needed there? If you were keeping an elevated deck, a shrub would anchor the corner and prevent guests from stepping off the brink. Since you're set on removing the deck, do you need the shrub?
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
4 years ago
hi

im not sure that is a tree lilac .... in the sense its grafted to a standard ... its a shrub pruned up ...

if we have a big flower spring.. i wouldnt be surprised if it bends over .... which may or may not be good ...

i would ignore the dead parts.. until spring.. perhaps they will bud out ... if not.. prune them out in later spring ...

since you have the 5 year deck plan.. im not sure i would spend patio money on trying to replace it.. in tree/shrub time ... if you were to plant something on the larger side.. its going to take 2 or 3 years to get established.. and start growing with any vigor ... in other words ... it probably wont be accomplishing any goals.. until the year you might remove it for patio works ... [though on rereading.. im not quite sure if it will be removed for the patio] ... if its a permanent installation ... then it might be worthwhile to replant something ...

im not sure i would be betting on much shade.. from a shrub ... you might want to include some type of pergola/roof or something ... for the new patio ... or at least.. design so it can be added later ... a little planning ahead .. even if the future budget doesnt materialize ...

how far away.. are the neighbors you are hiding from??? ... has to be a pretty good distance ....

i would also expect ... that it will put out new trunks next year ... a lilac not going to stay with that few trunks .... will not stay in that form ....

ken
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mxk3 z5b_MI
Original Author
4 years ago
Um, Ken -- you obviously missed: "This lilac tree was an overgrown shrub when I moved it, I limbed it up into a nice-looking clump standard."
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